Glance down and you will see some of the oldest exposed rocks from our planet. Glance up and you will behold the origin of our universe. Welcome to the Grand Canyon Star Party! Enjoy two nights of sky watching at one of Arizona's greatest astronomical events of the year as more than 40 telescopes are pointed at the skies above to behold the wonders of clear June skies.

Highlights

• In Flagstaff, a center for astronomical study since the late 1800s, meet astronomers and discuss planetary geology, the origin of the universe, NASA projects and other current topics.• Visit Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered, and Meteor Crater, the world's best-preserved meteorite impact site, used as a training ground for the Apollo astronauts.• At the Grand Canyon, learn about the geology of this world wonder and national treasure while enjoying walks to its most spectacular viewpoints.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile on uneven terrain. Elevations are up to 7,000'.

Itinerary Summary

Coordinated by Northern Arizona University.

Flagstaff

Nestled at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a perfect departure point for trips to the Glen and Grand canyons or Sunset Crater National Monument. At 7,000 feet in elevation, this cool mountain city is one of the highest in the nation.

These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.

Richard Stephens

Rich has been director of Northern Arizona University’s highly popular Road Scholar programs since 2001. He previously spent many years in the field as a program coordinator and group leader, where he honed his skills and learned the importance of detailed, pre-trip planning. Before making his home in Arizona’s spectacular red-rock country, Rich spent 10 years in Yosemite National Park and the Santa Cruz mountains as an environmental educator.

Jeff Strang

Jeff Strang's knowledge of the environment stems from over 35 years of hiking, paddling, and photography in the outdoors, his extensive experience as a naturalist, as well as from his education at the University of Oregon and Lewis and Clark Law School. In 1987, Jeff filed a precedent-setting lawsuit against Oregon polluters under the Clean Water Act. Jeff has been leading Road Scholar programs since 2002. In his free time, Jeff enjoys biking to work, hiking, kayaking, outdoor photography and studying geology.

Nadine Barlow

Dr. Nadine Barlow received both her bachelor’s (astronomy), and her doctorate (planetary sciences) from the University of Arizona. She has been a post-doctoral fellow at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas; a National Research Council Fellow at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston; and an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where she also served as the first Director of the UCF Robinson Observatory.

Bryan Bates

Bryan Bates is an Ex Officio member of the Governing Board for the International Society for Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture. Under a NASA grant, he created a course manual for archaeoastronomy and published research on a solar calendar at Wupatki and an equinox site near Stoneman Lake. He is involved in a research project on archaeoastronomy at Mesa Verde National Park and teaches archaeoastronomy, as well as biology, environmental science, natural history and chemistry.

David Cole

David Cole has been on faculty at Northern Arizona University for 11 years and is a past recipient of the LOUIE Award for outstanding professor. Formerly assistant director of the NASA Space Grant on campus, he left that post to assume a senior lecturer position that allows him to focus more on teaching physics and astronomy. He has three small children, but none of them has expressed an interest to be an astronaut — yet.

Kevin Mullins

Kevin Mullins began working for the U.S. Geological Survey while still a student at Northern Arizona University, where he earned his master’s on the spectral responses and geochemistry of the Moenkopi Dune field. He has worked on all major NASA solar system mapping projects — including Viking and Voyager images — and now splits his time between terrestrial and planetary geology projects. Kevin also teaches part time at a local community college and enjoys writing poetry and playing the guitar.

Meals and Lodgings

Flagstaff La Quinta Inn & Suites

Flagstaff, AZ

3 nights

Grand Canyon South Rim Lodge

Grand Canyon Village (S Rim)

2 nights

Flagstaff La Quinta Inn & Suites

Type:

Hotel

Description:

Four floors with 2 elevators, 128 rooms. Conveniently close to shopping. One quarter mile to Northern Arizona University. 2 miles to historic downtown Flagstaff. Wide range of cuisine available at nearby restaurants.

Seasonal outdoor pool and spa, fitness center. Deluxe continental breakfast. Guest coin operated laundry available. Free local calls. Participants requesting a refrigerator for medicine can have access to a locked refrigerator that is located in the hotel lobby area. Lobby microwave available to guests 24 hours. Safety deposit box at front desk available to all guests. Roll away beds for $10.

Smoking allowed:

Yes

Elevators available:

Yes

Additional nights prior:

Seasonal Call local La Quinta for the rates available during your stay (928) 556-8666. NOTE: When they get the pre-recorded information they must hit the "6" option, to connect with group sales, which has the information about Road Scholar groups.

Travel Details

Phoenix

To Airport

Service:

Per Person/One Way:

$140.00 - or less, see comments below.Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

2

Commuter Air to Flagstaff Airport, taxi to hotel (appx. $12.00) Air fare to Flagstaff much cheaper (exact cost varies) if flight to Phoenix is also on US Air. Phoenix to Flagstaff distance 150 miles; 45 min flight time. Five flights daily.

Flagstaff, AZ to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport #16157

From Airport

Service:

Per Person/One Way:

Estimated $45, price does not include customary gratuity.Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

2.5-3 hours (from Phoenix).

Distance:

151 miles

Van Go times shuttles to mesh with program start/end in Flagstaff. Best to arrive in Phoenix Sky Harbor airport by 12 noon and book departures from PHX after 3:30 PM. Call Van Go PRIOR to booking flights to aid in ease of travel transfers as Van Go offers just one shuttle departure time. Van Go picks up from all terminals at Phoenix airport and nearby airport hotels, and drops off at program hotel. Return shuttle departs immediately upon conclusion of program from Flagstaff La Quinta Hotel.

Driving
Directions

Albuquerque

W on I-40 to Flagstaff, exit 195. N on Milton Road to the first stop light, Forest Meadows. Left for quarter block to next light, Beulah
Blvd. R on Beulah for quarter block to La Quinta on left, 2015 S.
Beulah.

E on I-40 to Flagstaff, exit 195. N on Milton Road to the first stop light, Forest Meadows. Left for quarter block to next light, Beulah
Blvd. R on Beulah for quarter block to La Quinta on left, 2015 S.
Beulah.

Phoenix

N on 1-17 until it ends, becoming Milton Rd in Flagstaff. At 1st
stop light, Forest Meadows, turn left for quarter block to next light,
Beulah Blvd. R on Beulah for quarter block to La Quinta on left, 2015 S. Beulah.

Salt Lake City & the Northwest

S on I -15 181 mi to I - 70 jct; E on I - 70 29 mi to jct US 89; S on US 89 206 mi to Page, AZ, then another 135 mi S on US 89 to I-40 W in Flagstaff, AZ. I-40 W 5 mi to exit 195, Milton Rd N. N on Milton to first stoplight, Forest Meadows. Left for a quarter block to next light, Beulah Blvd. Right on Beulah quarter block to La Quinta on left, 2015 S. Beulah.

Elevation Note: 7,000 ft elevation. Those with heart or lung concerns should consult physician before attending.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Registration/Orientation & Introductions(Tuesday, June 16)

Note: Walk two blocks each way for dinner

Afternoon:

Hotel check-in, register with program coordinator in hotel meeting room.

After breakfast, shuttle or walk to NAU for the morning presentation on "Our Place in the Universe". This lecture will give an overview of the Universe from its origins, the "Big Bang Theory", to how stars are born, the creation of our solar system, and current discoveries/thoughts on subjects such as dark matter, string theory, and more.

Lunch:

Walk 200 yards to lunch at the south campus University dining facility. Enjoy a wide selection of items including a salad and soup bar, sandwich bar, pastas, hot chicken sandwiches, mexican wraps, and more.

Afternoon:

For the afternoon we have a field trip to Lowell Observatory for a walking history tour. We will see the 24 inch Clark Telescope that Percival Lowell used to study Mars, the Pluto Discovery Scope, the Rotunda and the Exhibit Hall.
Founded in 1894 by astronomer Percival Lowell, the Observatory is among the oldest observatories in the United States and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. The Observatory's original 24-inch Alvan Clark Telescope is still in use today for public education.
Also located on the Mars Hill campus is the 13-inch (0.33-meter) Pluto Discovery Telescope, used by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 to discover the dwarf planet Pluto. Lowell Observatory is currently building the 4.2-meter Discovery Channel Telescope in partnership with Discovery Communications, Inc.

Dinner:

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening:

The evening presentation will be on the night sky, telescopes or another topic of interest.

Note: One mile guided walk along rim of Meteor Crater

After breakfast, travel to Meteor Crater. Meteor Crater is lauded as the first proven and best preserved meteor impact site on earth. Participants can go on an optional one mile guided tour of the crater rim and walk a portion of its 2.4 mile circumference, or view the crater from the accessible platform. Opportunities to visualize the impact event can be enjoyed when visiting the sites impressive museum and watching the 80' wide movie theatre screen. The museum also houses numerous interactive exhibits and on display is the largest chunk discovered of the several hundred thousand ton meteor. Return to Flagstaff in time for lunch.

Lunch:

Lunch at the south campus University dining facility. Enjoy a wide selection of items including a salad and soup bar, sandwich bar, pastas, hot chicken sandwiches, mexican wraps, and more. Walk 200 yards from south dining to our classroom.

Afternoon:

Following lunch, enjoy two presentations. The first is a discussion on current NASA projects, its space station and humans in space. Following a short break, the presentation will be on archaeo-astronomy in the Southwest: what did the ancestral puebloans know about the night sky, how did they know it and how did we know that they knew it.

Dinner:

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening:

After dinner, the choices are yours for a free evening. Explore historic downtown Flagstaff, visit Northern Arizona University, or relax as you like.

Note: Several short walks at Grand Canyon viewpoints, after dark walk around telescope viewing area at Mather Point

The morning presentation will be on Geology of the Grand Canyon. Following the presentation we will board the bus or vans for the trip to the Grand Canyon - first stop being the old Cameron Trading Post on the Little Colorado River.

Lunch:

Lunch in the Cameron Trading Post dinning room.

Afternoon:

After lunch at the trading post, we climb up the Colorado Plateau to the Little Colorado Overlook, and then on to the eastern entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park at Desert View. Walk 200 yards to the Desert View Watchtower. The Watchtower was designed by Mary Colter in 1932 to resemble the watchtowers of the ancestral puebloans. Time permitting, the shuttle then follows the eastern expanse of the South Rim, stopping at Yavapai Point to view the expansive sight of 6 million years of geologic development. Late afternoon check-in at a south rim Grand Canyon lodge (usually either Maswik or Yavapai lodge).

Dinner:

Dinner at the Cafe of our South Rim lodge.

Evening:

After dinner will be the first of our two nights of the Grand Canyon Star Party. Begin with a talk relating to a current astronomical topic or related research. Once things get dark, stroll the parking lot of Mather Point on the South Rim where approximately 40 telescopes are pointed at the skies above. Each telescope is set up by an amateur astronomer who is more than willing to share their passion. With the limited light pollution of the Grand Canyon, you will see more than you can imagine!

Note: Optional one mile Guided history walk around Grand Canyon Village; Free afternoon to explore Grand Canyon; Return to Mather Point for another evening of the Grand Canyon Star Party

After breakfast. Go on a guided tour of the Grand Canyon Village Historic District, followed by free time to explore the village or walk along the rim or explore the canyon.

Lunch:

Lunch on your own at the Grand Canyon.

Afternoon:

Enjoy free time in the Canyon to explore on your own. Now is your chance to try a short hike into the canyon along the famed Bright angel Trail, take a park service shuttle to one of the majestic West Rim viewpoints, tour the many historic building and shops of the Grand Canyon Village, or just find a quiet place on the rim and contemplate this world wonder.

Dinner:

Dinner at the Cafe of our Grand Canyon lodge.

Evening:

After dinner will be the second of our two nights of the Grand Canyon Star Party. Begin with a talk relating to a current astonomical topic or related research. Once things get dark, stroll the parking lot of Yavapai Point on the South Rim where approximately 40 large telescopes are pointed at the skies above. Each telescope is set up by an amateur astronomer who is more than willing to share their passion. With the limited light pollution of the Grand Canyon, you will see more than you can imagine!

Free Time Opportunities

Flagstaff, AZ.Points of Interest w/in 30 minutes of Flagstaff: Sinagua period ruins at Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments; Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument; the Native American artifacts and collections housed at the Museum of Northern Arizona, which also presents Native American performances and demonstrations; Downtown Flagstaff & old Route 66, Lowell Observatory, which discovered the planet Pluto.
In the Oak Creek / Sedona area 1 hour south: Massive sandstone cliffs and riparian beauty of Oak Creek Canyon; Sedona red rock monoliths and the surrounding Secret Mountain Wilderness; Sedona’s fine art and jewelry galleries and its international cuisines; Sedona New Age vortex offerings, the Sinagua ruins at Montezuma’s Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments, Jerome, AZ a mining ghost town.
In other outlying areas: Hopi & Navajo Reservations, the Mary Colter designed La Posada Hotel / Restaurant at Winslow, AZ, Grand Canyon Railroad at Williams, AZ and the Grand Canyon National Park.
For additional information, visit www.flagstaffarizona.org

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes

Author: Hawking, Stephen

Description: Hawking's discovery that black holes emit particles caused great excitement among astronomers. In this succinct overview of current theories of the cosmos, the Cambridge University physicist modestly weaves in his own notable contributions while giving due credit to his colleagues. He explains why relativity implies that a ``big bang'' occurred and examines string theory, which posits a universe of 10 or 26 dimensions. His understanding of time's flow leads him to conclude that intelligent beings can only exist during the expansion phase of our increasingly chaotic universe. New research on black holes and subatomic particles holds implications for scientists who, like Hawking, are attempting to devise a unified theory linking Einstein to quantum mechanics. The merit of this book is Hawking's ability to make these ideas graspable by the lay reader. Publisher's Weekly (April) 224pp

Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandries

Author: Tyson, Neil DeGrasse

Description: What would it feel like if your spaceship were to venture too close to the black hole lurking at the center of the Milky Way? According to astrophysicist Tyson, director of New York City's Hayden Planetarium, size does matter when it comes to black holes, although the chances of your surviving the encounter aren't good in any case. Tyson takes readers on an exciting journey from Earth's hot springs, where extremophiles flourish in hellish conditions, to the frozen, desolate stretches of the Oort Cloud and the universe's farthest reaches, in both space and time. Tyson doesn't restrict his musings to astrophysics, but wanders into related fields like relativity and particle physics, which he explains just as clearly as he does Lagrangian points, where we someday may park interplanetary filling stations. He tackles popular myths (is the sun yellow?) and takes movie directors most notably James Cameron to task for spectacular goofs. In the last section the author gives his take on the hot subject of intelligent design. Readers of Natural History magazine will be familiar with many of the 42 essays collected here, while newcomers will profit from Tyson's witty and entertaining description of being pulled apart atom by atom into a black hole, and other, closer-to-earth, and cheerier, topics. 9 illus. (Jan.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. 384pp

Foundations of Astronomy

Author: Seeds, Michael A

Description: New edition of a colorful textbook for introductory astronomy courses. It presents astronomy as a unified system of understanding that relates the student's personal experience to the basic processes in the universe. This edition includes new discoveries and hypotheses as well as the more gradual changes in understanding among astronomers concerning such things as black holes, dark matter, and the geology of Venus. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) 736pp
Biography: Mike Seeds is Professor, Emeritus of Astronomy at Franklin and Marshall College, where he has taught since 1970. His research interests have focused on peculiar variable stars and the automation of astronomical telescopes. He extended his research by serving as the principal astronomer in charge of the Phoenix 10, the first fully robotic telescope, located in southern Arizona.

Islands in the Sky: Bold New Ideas for Colonizing Space

Author: Schmidt, Stanley

Description: "Let the meek inherit the earth—the rest of us are going to the stars! Here's how it's going to be done." — Robert Zubrin
"These articles are not 'just science fiction.' They are things we can do—and with any luck at all, and vision and determination, we will." — Stanley Schmidt
Take off on a thrilling journey of space exploration and speculation—to the realm where science fiction becomes science fact—as leading writers, researchers, and astronautic engineers describe a not-too-distant future of interstellar travel and colonization. From cable cars that ride "skyhooks" into space to rockets that can refuel out of Martian air, from "terraforming" planets (a process that makes them habitable for human life) to faster-than-light propulsion systems, Islands in the Sky offers an astonishing collection of challenging—and plausible—ideas and proposals from the pages of Analog magazine. Brilliant and provocative, here is fun-filled reading for everyone interested in science, technology, and the future. 276pp
Biography: STANLEY SCHMIDT, Ph.D., is the Editor of Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact magazine, for which he has received 16 Hugo Award nominations. He is the author of four novels, including Lifeboat Earth and Newton and the Quasi-Apple, and is a member of the Board of Advisors of the National Space Society.

Planetary Dreams: The Quest to Discover Life Beyond Earth

Author: Shapiro, Robert

Description: The surprisingly long history of debate over extraterrestrial life is full of marvelous visions of what life "out there" might be like, as well as remarkable stories of alleged sightings and heated disputes about the probability that life might actually have arisen more than once. In Planetary Dreams, acclaimed author Robert Shapiro explores this rich history of dreams and debates in search of the best current answers to the most elusive and compelling of all questions: Are we alone? Planetary Dreams offers a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of both the history of our hopes and expectations and a vision of a possible future in which the discovery of life elsewhere will provide a new view of our place in the universe. 306pp

The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory

Author: Greene, Brian

Description: A new edition of the New York Times bestseller—now a three-part Nova special: a fascinating and thought-provoking journey through the mysteries of space, time, and matter. 464pp

The Theory of Everything

Author: Hawking, Stephen

Description: Hawking takes readers on a fascinating journey through the telescopic lens of modern physics to gain a new glimpse of the universe--the nature of black holes, the space-time continuum, and new information about the origin of the universe. 132pp

The Whole Shebang: A State-of-the-Universe(s)

Author: Timothy Ferris

Description: From the prizewinning author who has been called "the greatest science writer in the world" comes this delightfully comprehensive and comprehensible report on how science today envisions the universe as a whole.
Timothy Ferris provides a clear, elegantly written overview of current research and a forecast of where cosmological theory is likely to go in the twenty-first century. He explores the questions that have occurred to even casual readers — who are curious about nature on the largest scales: What does it mean to say that the universe is "expanding," or that space is "curved"? — and sheds light on the possibility that our universe is only one among many universes, each with its own physical laws and prospects for the emergence of life. 400pp

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

5 nights accommodations

13 meals:
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Expert-led lectures: 5

Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.

Field trips: 6

Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Plus these special experiences...

Two nights of star viewing on the rim of the Grand Canyon with the Tuscon Amateur Astronomy Association.

Visit Meteor Crater, the best preserved meteorite impact site on Earth.

Expert lectures/discussions on Archeo-Astronomy, Our Place in the Universe, NASA, amateur astronomy and Grand Canyon geology, and/or other topics.

Enjoy a daytime tour of Lowell Observatory, where Percival Lowell studied Mars through his 24 inch Clark Telescope, and Planet Pluto was discovered.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.

An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.

Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.